Tasting Report: Spotlight on 2026 Italian Wine Releases
We didn’t make it to Wine Paris this year, but Wine Paris made it to us, courtesy of Communicare il Vino, which sent along 12 selections from its Italian portfolio which were showcased at the event. These hail from all over Italy, and we’re breaking them down by broad category, then order of preference. Sparkling…
Review: Pride of Anderson County Bourbon 9.5 Years Old
Rare Character Whiskey launched in 2021, founded by spirits industry veterans Pablo Moix and Peter Nevenglosky. The independent bottler quickly developed a devoted following by focusing on single barrel selections, custom labels, and premium whiskey stocks. It also became closely associated with its barrel code system, with certain codes developing dedicated followings and becoming highly…
Review: Tequilas of House of Rare
House of Rare is a tequila initiative that got its start with a particular mission: Rather than focusing on tradition, the operation is focused on sourcing unusual and rare casks to finish its spirits, releasing them as limited editions and collaborations. (Tawny Port finish, anyone? Umeshu?) As well, recently the brand began releasing its own…
Review: Palm Republic Rums – Silver and Aged
Palm Republic Rum is part of a new vanguard of rum brands looking to bring ultra-high quality spirits to the market at a reasonable price. The secret seems to be smart blending: Source high-grade barrels from various locales and put them together to create a sophisticated finished product. This brand happens to be co-founded by…
Review: Dewar’s The Champions Edition 19 Years Old (2026)
Dewar’s Champions Edition, which celebrates golf and the U.S. Open, enters its sixth year with the launch of Champions Edition 2026, inspired by the terrain of the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, which was finished in Cabernet Franc red wine casks from Hamptons-based winery the Wölffer Estate. Dewar’s The Champions Edition 19 Years Old (2026) Review I’ve…
Review: Compass Box Hedonism 2026
Compass Box’s Hedonism became an annually released whisky in 2023 (this is our first taste since that happened), and in 2026, it got a celebrity backer, too. Actress Karen Gillan is “the muse” for the label, created by artist Emma Hack. Hedonism was Compass Box’s first whisky ever, launched in 2000, and it remains a…
Building a Brand and Busting Tennessee Whiskey Myths: An Interview With Allisa Henley of AJ Bond
In June 2026, spirits giant Sazerac unveiled its first Tennessee whiskey. Dubbed AJ Bond, the whiskey itself didn’t land as a complete shock. In 2016, the conglomerate bought Newport, Tennessee’s Popcorn Sutton Distillery. In the purchase, Sazerac acquired the expertise of distillers Allisa Henley and John Lunn, both veterans of the Tennessee whiskey industry…
Review: Penelope Classic Series Rye and Kentucky Bourbon
For years, Penelope built much of its reputation around carefully selected sourced whiskey, particularly bourbon and rye distilled by MGP in Indiana. June 2026 marked a meaningful shift with the arrival of two permanent additions to the Penelope portfolio: Classic Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Classic Series Straight Rye Whiskey. Released together as part…